It has been reported that Georgia Tech University researchers have developed a new app for the iPhone and iPad, which is based on the Braille system for the visually impaired. The new app, which is still in its prototype stage, could be used by anyone, whether they are visually impaired or not, and could mean that people can text from their mobile devices without even looking at the screen.
According to reports, the BrailleTouch app has been developed for the iPhone and iPad but will also be extended to Android devices too. It is claimed that smart phone and tablet touch screens can be converted into eyes-free texting platforms with the use of just six keys for the conversion.
Mario Romero, Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Interactive Computing, who has been heavily involved in the project, said: "Research has shown that chorded, or gesture-based, texting is a viable solution for eyes-free written communication in the future, making obsolete the need for users to look at their devices while inputting text on them." Georgia Tech also stated: "This design allows users to hold their device with the screen facing away from them – cradling the device with their palms or pinkies and thumbs – and to type with a majority of their fingers, identical to typing Braille on a standard keyboard."
The app was unveiled and demonstrated earlier this month at the Abilities Expo-Atlanta 2012 by officials from Georgia Tech. The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies partly supported the project.
